Apr 10, 2008 | 1:08 AM
Category:
News
To whom much is given much is expected!
A big congratulations to our friends at Fox's "American Idol" for taking time away from star making... to bring attention to many important causes... the aids epidemic, poverty and preventable illness in Africa, poverty and despair in New Orleans for example.
To whom much is given, much is expected!
"American Idol" is America's number one show. I applaud the team there for bringing together top celebs, for enlisting its Idol contestants, for traveling to these impoverished places... and most importantly... for introducing to our young people the idea of giving back.
To whom much is given much is expected!
In America, we have all been given a TON!
I believe every teenager should be exposed to poverty and a community in need... perhaps even a third world country. Ever drive through skid row? I had an intern get lost there on the way to meet me at the Mission. She was bawling when she finally got there. Our story was on a team of dentists doing free dental work at a clinic for the homeless. Ever go to Tijuana? Does it not break your heart when approached by women with babies on their backs begging for change? How can you not DO SOMETHING! I don't care if it within your own family, people you meet daily, your community or something worldwide. DO SOMETHING. (of course, that is the name of an organization... founded by an actor... which helps fund the project of YOUR choice)
And the celebs... wasn't it great to see celebs not on the cover of some fashion magazine... or tabloid TV show... or mug shot... but out actually making a difference!! To whom much is given, much is expected!
The Idol contestants are proof that giving back can be as simple as answering phones during a fundraising drive. My former contractor answers phones for the Suicide Hotline.
Viewers proved giving back can be done from your own home. A $10 donation buys a net that keeps bugs away in Africa that cause disease. A $10 donation!
I was asked just this past weekend where someone should turn to contribute. I say find what speaks to your heart.
-one friend feels he escaped death after years of recreational drug use. Now he speaks to others wanting off of drugs
-another friend started a clothing drive for career clothes. She tired of donating to a thrift shop and seeing the clothes clumped on the floor next to blenders and old electronics. Now she sees they get to an organization that dresses women in need going out on job interviews.
-another friend is helping wounded veterans.
-one of my favorite people gives back just by being a great guy, in a good mood, always with a smile and a laugh! That's worth MILLIONS!
What speaks to you? You'll know when and where to get involved. Haven't we all been given much? Isn't much expected?